These Peppered Preserved Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick & easy dish and one of our favorites.
Peppered Preserved Lemon Chicken Bites is a simple little chicken dish where the chicken is marinated with preserved lemons, garlic oil, pepper and a couple more ingredients. After marinating, the chicken is cooked on the stovetop or skewered for kabobs and grilled. Both cooking methods yield a cook time of less than 15 minutes.
In the summer we grill them as kabobs, but during colder months, I cook the chicken on the stovetop. The stovetop version yields chicken pieces that are more moist than the kabobs, plus there is the bonus of a little sauce from the vermouth used to deglazed the skillet. No matter which method you use, these little peppered lemon chicken bites make a tasty, quick and easy meal – perfect for the middle of the week.
A very lemony and peppery chicken dish that so easy to make, it is perfect for a weekday meal. These chicken bites could be skewered and grilled, or pan fried on the stovetop.
*See Kitchen Notes for more information.
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast or chicken tenders, cut into large chunks (about ¾” – 1”)
- 1 Tbsp. garlic infused oil*
- ½ tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
- 1 Tbsp. minced preserved lemons*
- 1 tsp. preserved lemon juice, omit for marinades over 4 hours, could make the meat too salty
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup vermouth or white wine
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced (optional)
To marinate the chicken
- In a bowl large enough to toss the chicken, add all of the marinade ingredients. Whisk together.
- Cut the chicken into large chunks. Add to the bowl and toss to coat the chicken pieces with the marinade.
- Let the coated chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or more.
To pan fry on stovetop
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken with marinade and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, turning the pieces about every 2 minutes or until browned.
- Once the chicken bites have browned on at least 2 sides, add the vermouth and deglaze the pan.
- Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- To test for doneness, press into the middle of the biggest piece, if it’s soft, then cook another minute and test again. Chicken is done when it is somewhat firm when pressed in the middle.
- Toss with parsley and serve immediately.
For kabobs
- Prepare grill for medium heat.
- Skewer the chicken pieces. Brush the skewered pieces with marinade leftover in the bowl.
- Wipe the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the kabobs on the grill and cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning twice, until chicken is just cooked through. (The chicken will continue to cook between the time you remove it from the grill and serve.
- Remove from the grill, transfer chicken pieces to a plate, and serve immediately.
Preserved Lemon – If you don’t have preserved lemons, you could either make my quick preserved lemons the night before, or used the lemon zest and juice from half a lemon. If you don’t use preserved lemon, then I would recommend adding ¼ teaspoon or more salt to the marinade.
Garlic-Infused Oil – If you don’t have garlic-infused oil, the do what Annie does and use 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
Vermouth or White Wine – For a non-alcoholic substitution, you could use apple juice or chicken stock.
Cook Time – When using the stovetop method, the cook time will vary for different size pieces. Add the largest pieces to the skillet first and cook for 2 minutes, then add the rest of the chicken pieces. This will prevent the smaller pieces from overcooking.
This dish was Inspired by Annie;s Eats Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabobs
These Peppered Lemon Chicken Bites don’t need anything but a nice healthy side dish to finish off the meal. I recommend these Curried Brussels Sprouts – a great combination of flavors.
For more recipes that use preserved lemons, check out this post: 30+ Recipes With Preserved Lemons
Oooh, I’m always looking for new chicken recipes and this is simple and flavorful! Plus, I have preserved lemons just waiting for it!
Thanks Liz. This is really easy and so very good. I hope you give it a try.
Seduced by it’s simplicity ……. Thank you MJ ! I wish you have healthy and happy 2022. !
I now realize that the baked chicken with preserved lemon and freshly ground pepper is almost identical to the chicken bites recipe above. The only difference is that my nail tech’s suggestion was baked, not pan fried or grilled. Sounds great, even if I pan fried them.
Hope you give it a try any way you make it. This trick is not to overcooked it since chicken breast can dry out very quickly. Enjoy my dear!
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The marinade for this chicken is divine! They look so gorgeous, too. I’ll definitely give these a go big I’ll have to miss the sprouts as I’m the only muncher around here. They, too sound like a wonderf complement to the chicken though!
what a perfect meal, mj! and this is my favorite way to have brusslies, shredded and barely cooked. perfect!
Thanks Susan! It has become my favorite way as well. 🙂
What_s up, I check your blog regularly. Your story-telling style
is awesome, keep doing what you_re doing
This looks so good. I’ll take two helpings.
Come on by Jennie and I’ll give you all you want. 🙂
Ooh loving these delicious bites of chicken and curried brussel sprouts sound perfect to me!On my ‘must try’ list 🙂
I’ve recently tried brussel sprouts, absolutely love it. and adding curry to it is just genius
That is one damn tasty meal, wanna have them for dinner today.
Having some Brussels sprouts on hand right now and your curried brussels dish sounds just fantastic! It definitely goes well with the lemon pepper chicken. Thanks for sharing it!
Aren’t brussels sprouts the greatest subject of reinvention?!!? (bacon drippings, O.M.G.) — you’ll turn this veggie around yet :). Haven’t tried curry yet – must do. Your peppery lemon bites look juicy and delicious too – there’s nothing about this recipe that doesn’t delight MJ.
I LOVE Brussels sprouts, MJ. This is a fantastic meal. Those diced chicken look really tender.
Mmmm – what a perfect stuffing recipe
I agree—this is the perfect combination. I really need to make Brussels sprouts more.
Fantastic chicken bites, MJ – love your marinade. Cheers
I love preserved lemons and they go so well with chicken. What lovely looking chicken bites and I’m also a fan of Brussel Sprouts xx
Muy rica combinaciòn y suavidad al paladar con su pollo bien preparado,abrazos.
Love both recipes – both are very light, yet very flavorful with the spices and citrus flavor. They sound very appetizing too! I have some brussels that I have to use pretty soon. Your curried recipe sounds just perfect for some Asian theme main dish.
I love the idea of chicken bites! I do steak bites all the time but why on Earth have I never done this with chicken? Thanks for the inspiration, MJ. I’m sure the preserved lemons make this out of this world good.
I think those have got to be the most succulent pieces of chicken I’ve seen in years. Looks so delicious. Perfect for me who loves chicken and have very little time for cooking. I’m going to make this with potato and carrot hash.
What’s not to love about garlic, lemon, and chicken. Throw in some tarragon and it’s over the top! I so love everything about this recipe. Keeping this one for grilling season! I’m a huge fan of Brussels sprouts cooked any way. I’ve seen John’s recipes on KR and I’ve got them on my list. Great post, MJ!
While I can only eat the curried brussel sprouts, both of the dishes look exquisite my friend 😀
Cheers
CCU
P.S I seem to have lost around 1000 subscribers on my blog and I don’t know how, so if you were subscribed, could you resubscribe please? it would really help me out!
I love the combo of lemon with chicken, MJ, and lately have been experimenting using preserved lemons, too. I’ve not yet tried shaved brussels sprouts but I’ve been tempted by a number of recipes of late, yours with curry being the best so far. You are right about the bacon. Last year, while taking photos in the next room of a still-not-published dish of brussels sprouts with bacon, Max ate all that were left in the serving platter. If bacon can entice a dog to eat sprouts … 🙂
Hi MJ,
Love these little bites. Chicken and lemon pair so well together. Going to try this one.
Thanks Sissi! Oh heavens – that comment doesn’t make me angry at all!!! Now that you mention it – you’re right. 🙂 I wonder how this marinade would be with tofu? Hum….As far as the Brussels sprouts are concerned, I found this shaved method quite easy to prep and even easier to cook. Just a little chopping and sauteing. I’ll be trying another one of John’s recipes next week as long as the co-op still has them.
MJ, I hope it will not make you angry but at first I thought it was tofu! These chicken bits look so light, not burnt, not too dry.. and made me think of tofu (which by the way I like a lot!). Anyway, I wanted to say the chicken looks extremely tempting.
Shaved Brussels sprouts sound original and delicious! Wonderful idea. I have always liked Brussels sprouts, but must admit they are not easy to cook and are often sold too old (i.e. bitter and tough) so I understand most people hate them.
Wonderful dinner! I love Brussels sprouts. Just had some baked ones for dinner today. Baking took 40 minutes, your recipe is certainly much quicker. The spice combo is great too.
Thanks Rookie! I’m getting there with Brussels sprouts. 🙂
Delicious lemon chicken bites and curried brussels sprouts Mj. I like brussels sprout always think that they are sister of cabbage.
Thanks Swathi! I’ve never been part of the Brussels sprouts fan club, but I’m trying and this turned out pretty darn good!
vermouth… well then this one is for me. 😀
🙂 🙂
Both dishes look terrific! That chicken has a lot of flavor. And I really like what you’ve done with the sprouts! Thanks for the link love, and glad I inspired you to find a Brussels sprouts recipe you like. Love the idea of the curry! I’m going to steal that. 😉
Thanks John and you’re most welcome! this whole shaved Brussels sprout idea really make them quite edible and delicious. I like the texture better as well.
I’m always looking for easy and tasty chicken recipe, and this seems a right one 🙂
Thanks a lot, MJ!
This time you gave me some ideas for the week menus 😉
So glad to here that Giulia! This is definitely an easy and yet tasty chicken recipe. Enjoy!
Unlike you, I do like Brussels sprouts. I just need an excuse to eat some and this may be it.
I’ve got a jar of lemons in the process of being preserved, so this will be a way to try them out.
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks Bill! So glad to hear there’s another preserved lemon lover out there! It’s my favorite condiment! Enjoy!
I think lemon and chicken make very good friends. I love these bites. 🙂 I can imagine the lovely flavors with each bite and the kick of pepper. 🙂 You know how I feel about curried anything… so hand over a big bowl of these brussels! 🙂
Thanks Ramona! I’m with you – I love chicken and lemon, especially preserved lemon!